Crystal Palace and Brighton could be set to go head-to-head in the race for a “master” midfielder, who is enjoying a very impressive campaign.
Palace eyeing midfielder as Wharton looks to cement place in England squad
Adam Wharton will be hoping to add to his three England caps during the current international break, with the midfielder being included in the 35-man squad by manager Thomas Tuchel.
However, the central midfielder is well-aware he has work to do to force his way into Tuchel’s plans, recently saying: “I think it’s every young boy’s dream to be able to go to a World Cup to represent the country.
“I’m going to try and impress as much as I can and try and play as well as I can up until the players get on that plane and hopefully I’m one of them. I think there’s still a few games to play before then so a lot to happen, but hopefully I can do well enough and show that I’m worthy of a ticket on the plane.”
Having made the initial squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, Wharton is certainly under consideration, and he is also being targeted by the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, off the back of his performances for Palace.
With Sky Sports revealing the Eagles will need to cash-in on one of their star players this summer, the Englishman could be on the move, and his current employers are now eyeing a potential replacement.
Palace enter race to sign “master” midfielder
According to a report from Sports Boom, Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur are now facing a threat in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Sven Mijnans, as Crystal Palace have burst into the race.
Palace have sent scouts to watch Mijnans in action this season, and a deal could be possible for the relatively affordable fee of €30m (£26m).
Interestingly, the report states both the Eagles and Spurs are already preparing a bid for the Dutchman, in order to steal a march on rival suitors, and he could be an exciting signing, having amassed a whopping 16 goals in all competitions already this season.
|
Sven Mijnans’ goal record |
Appearances |
Goals |
|
Eredivisie |
24 |
7 |
|
Conference League |
10 |
6 |
|
UECL Qualifiers |
5 |
1 |
|
KNVB Beker |
3 |
2 |
During that time, the 26-year-old has displayed his versatility by featuring in both attacking and defensive midfield roles, while also captaining AZ Alkmaar for the majority of the campaign.
The maestro has also received praise from ex-Alkmaar manager Pascal Jansen in the past, who said: “He is a master at handling simplicity. Of making the logical and most rhythmic choices you can.”
A fee of £26m wouldn’t break the bank for a club like Palace, particularly considering Wharton could command a fee of £70m, and it would be exciting if they were to launch a move this summer, at which point Steve Parish & co will also need to hire a new manager.
Crystal Palace eyeing ‘shock move’ for trophy-winning manager to replace Oliver Glasner
The Eagles are plotting an ambitious potential appointment.
